“A Bright White Dove Flying Over England” tells the story of fleeing home, longing for home, and returning home, based on the life of writer Elin Toona. In 1944, just before the Soviet Army’s invasion, seven-year-old Elin fled with her mother and grandmother from their hometown of Haapsalu towards Sweden. However, they never made it there. The refugee journey took Elin instead to Germany, England, and finally to America. Only in 2021 did Elin Toona move back to Estonia, her homeland.
“A Bright White Dove Flying Over England” is the story of three women on their way to the promised land, not knowing where it is. It’s a tale of war and its consequences through the eyes of a child. But above all, it’s a story of immense resilience that keeps people standing even in the most difficult times.
The play is based on Elin Toona’s works “Into Exile: A Life Story of War and Peace”, “Lotukata”, “Three White Doves”, and “Ella”.